SPEARFISH, SD – The Spearfish City Council Monday approved a $35,500 matching grant and waived the building permit fees for the Matthews Opera House and Arts Center back exit stairwell reconstruction project.
Spearfish Finance Officer Michelle DeNeui explained the opera house has raised half of the funds for the proposed approximately $71,000 project to repair the back stairwell to the opera house property. She explained approval for the matching grant would require a supplement to the Community Grants department of the Hospitality Tax fund, and there is adequate fund balance for the request.
The Funding Request form from the Matthews Opera House describes the exterior back exit stairs were added to the building after it original construction and “have deteriorated over the past 20 years. What started as minor issues compounded into structural concerns that required us to close and secure the area.” The stairs serve as a fire exit, provide operational access for stage equipment, sets, and materials, and with the reconstruction, would provide additional ADA-accessibility.
“This equal investment structure reflects our shared commitment to preserving this community asset and ensures both parties have a meaningful stake in the project’s success,” the Funding Request states. The timeline for the project shows, post-grant approval, contracting would be finalized and permits secured yet in 2025, with construction to begin in early 2026, with a projected completion date in the spring.